5 American Cars That Outlast the Average Import

According to data from S&P Global Mobility in 2022, the average age of vehicles in the United States is 12.2 years. This was an increase of two months from the year prior and an all-time high.

What does this mean for auto owners? Americans are keeping their cars for longer than ever before. The average annual mileage in the United States in 2021 was 12,300 miles. Over 12.2 years, this adds up to 150,060 miles.

There are several possible reasons why Americans might be keeping their cars longer than ever. Global microchip shortages, supply chain and inventory issues, inflation and other monetary factors could all play a part.

What cars tend to last the longest? If you want an American-made car, some makes and models will last longer than others. Here are five American cars that will outlast the average imported car.

The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size, body-on-frame SUV that has been around since 1935. In a study by iSeeCars, it ranked third out of 20 cars for the greatest lifespan. The only vehicles with higher potential longevity were two Toyota vehicles. This makes the Chevy Suburban the longest-lasting American car. According to TheStreet, it has a potential lifespan of 265,732 miles. 

The Chevy Suburban has three powertrain options: the 5.3L V8 L84, the 6.2L V8 L87, and the 3.0L I6 LM2. The Suburban rides on the GM T1 platform, and production takes place at the GM Arlington plant in Texas.

According to motorbiscuit.com, some of the most common issues with the Chevy Suburban include engine problems, A/C issues and problematic breaks.

The GMC Yukon XL is a full-size SUV that offers many driver features and an extended interior length. According to TheStreet, it has a potential lifespan of 252,360 miles and a 21.3% chance of lasting over 250,000 miles.

However, according to motorbiscuit.com, some of the most common problems with the GMC Yukon XL include upper dash issues, door handle and power lock problems.

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full-size pickup truck with a max towing capacity of 13,300 pounds. According to TheStreet, it has a potential lifespan of 230,515 miles and a 31% chance of lasting over 250,000 miles, one of the highest on this list.

However, according to motorbiscuit.com, owners have some common Chevy Silverado 1500 problems: fuel level sensor failure, four-wheel-drive transfer case position sensor/selector switch failure, and heating and A/C temperature and air delivery mode door actuator failure.

“Built to withstand heavy use, the Silverado is renowned for its durability and strength,” said Shawn Miller, senior writer at Modified Rides. “Chevrolet’s focus on producing high-quality, long-lasting components, coupled with its rigorous testing and quality control processes, ensures that the Silverado can handle tough conditions and last for many years. Additionally, its powerful and efficient engines contribute to its longevity.”

The Ford Expedition is a three-row SUV and the largest SUV from Ford. According to TheStreet, it has a potential lifespan of 244,682 miles and a 19.9% chance of lasting over 250,000 miles. However, according to motorbiscuit.com, some common Ford Expedition troubles include excessive spark plug gaps, ignition coil failure and check engine light after hesitation or stalling.

The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV that ranked seventh on iSeeCars’ list of cars with the greatest potential lifespan. According to TheStreet, it has a potential lifespan of 250,338 miles. 

The Chevy Tahoe has three powertrain options:

• 5.3L V8 L84
• 6.2L V8 L87
• 3.0L I6 LM2. 

The Tahoe, like the Suburban, rides on the GM T1 platform, and production takes place at the GM Arlington plant in Texas.

According to motorbiscuit.com, the most common problems with the Chevy Tahoe are four-wheel drive transfer case position sensor/selector switch failures, upper dash cracking and heating, and A/C temperature and air delivery mode door actuator failure.

“The Tahoe is one of the longest-lasting and dependable American-made vehicles,” said Melanie Musson, auto industry expert with CarInsurance.org. “It outlasts most of the competition. Many law enforcement and government agencies choose Tahoes for their fleets, because they know they can’t pick a make and model that isn’t dependable. The Tahoe has stood up to hard use and rough driving conditions.”

Musson explained that the average driver can expect the same level of reliability. Chevrolet uses many safety and quality checks throughout the manufacturing process, and they don’t cut corners on the working parts. So, the products they produce tend to be among the best in the market.

There are not too many different American-made car companies, which is why you see the same few companies on this list. Chevrolet, Ford and GMC make some of the longest-lasting American cars.

Purchasing a foreign, imported car is unnecessary if you want a long-lasting car. Many American vehicles can last 250,000 miles or more.

Of course, many factors influence how long a car will last. Some include your driving habits — like breaking and speeding — how often you perform maintenance and repairs on the car, the weather conditions you drive in, and the condition in which you purchased the car: new or used.